The purpose of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effect of the low temperature atmospheric plasma device with needle tip designed for easy approach to the oral cavity and root canal against Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. The antibacterial activities evaluated by measuring clear zone of agar plate smeared with each bacteria after plasma treatment. To quantify antibacterial effects, dilution plate method was used. In addition, scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used for observation of changes in bacterial morphology. As treatment time of plasma increased, the clear zone was enlarged. The death rate was more than 99%. The SEM results showed that the globular shape of bacteria was distorted. These results suggest that needle tip plasma could be an innovative device for prevention of dental caries, and treatment of apical infection and soft tissue diseases.

• Young Min Kim1(Department of Oral Anatomy, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University) Theses authors contributed equally to this study
• Byul Bo Ra Choi(Department of Dental Hygiene, Dongseo University) Theses authors contributed equally to this study
• Sang Rye Park(Department of Dental Hygiene, Kyungnam College of Information & Technology)
• Ji Young Kim(Department of Dental Hygiene, Kyungnam College of Information & Technology)
• Gyoo Cheon Kim(Department of Oral Anatomy, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University)